Starbucks Korea raided by police after ‘Tank Day’ campaign sparks public outrage
Summary
South Korean police raided Starbucks Korea’s headquarters to investigate a marketing campaign that many people found offensive. The campaign, called “Tank Day,” referenced the 1980 Gwangju uprising, a tragic event in South Korea’s fight for democracy, causing public outrage and a police probe.Key Facts
- Starbucks Korea launched a campaign called “Tank Day” with stainless-steel tumblers named “SS Tank.”
- The campaign referenced 18 May, the anniversary of the 1980 Gwangju uprising, where pro-democracy protesters were violently suppressed.
- The slogan “Thwack it on the table!” reminded people of a controversial police phrase linked to a tortured student’s death in 1987.
- Many South Koreans criticized the campaign for disrespecting their democracy movement’s history.
- Shinsegae Group, majority owner of Starbucks Korea, quickly canceled the promotion and fired the Starbucks Korea chief executive.
- Starbucks Korea closed all its stores on 22 June for mandatory history and social awareness training.
- Police began investigating after complaints from relatives of Gwangju victims, involving a crackdown that killed about 200 people.
- South Korea’s democracy movement gained strength in 1987, leading to constitutional reforms and direct presidential elections.
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